Manatee signs go up in Patterson, Iberia

LAFAYETTE (AP) — Some south Louisiana residents have been spotting "manatee area" signs along coastal Acadiana waterways.

Keri Lejeune with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is installing the signs near reported manatee sightings. The slow-moving mammals have been reported in areas that include Vermillion Parish and as far north as the Amite River near Denham Springs.

The signs warn boaters of the possible presence of manatees, which can be injured by boat propellers.

Manatees are often associated with Florida, but some move along the Gulf Coast when the weather gets warmer. Elizabeth Hieb with the Manatee Sighting Network at Dauphin Island Sea Lab says an increase in manatee sightings outside of Florida may be due in part to warming waters and the success of conservation efforts.